Best (and Worst) European Hostels
Europe's cheapest beds are in hostels! There are more than 2,000 hostels all over Europe and many are destinations in themselves. You can sleep in a castle (Britain or Germany), on a cutter ship (Stockholm), or in an Alpine chalet (Switzerland). Except in Germany's Bavaria region, most hostels welcome travelers of all ages. English is widely spoken by staff and guests and it can be a great way to meet people from around the world.
Which are your favorite European hostels and why? And which were not so great and why?
- Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.
Hotel La Roseraie Chenonceau
This was a very pleasant, comfortable hotel just a stone's throw from Chateau de Chenonceau. The hoteliers were very kind and helpful in providing information regarding touring in the Loire Valley and in Paris. The restaurant at the hotel served great dinners although we found better places for breakfast.
USA 01/18/2012
The Beehive in Rome
This was an ideal hostel to stay at during our four days in Rome. It is located two blocks east of the Termini station in a working class/university neighborhood that has plenty of reasonably priced and quality restaurants nearby. The hostel is extremely clean, decorated with interesting art, and offers a peaceful and beautiful outdoor patio to relax in after a day of touring. The staff is friendly and professional. It was a real bonus to have an organic cafe available on site that offered excellent breakfast selections. This is not a party hostel but a melting pot of people of all ages and all nationalities who love to travel and share their experiences with one another. The Beehive became an oasis for us amidst the craziness and discovery of Rome.
Linda
Battle Creek, MI USA 11/09/2011
Amsterdam Hotel
Hotel Alexander in Amsterdam was great. It was in a busy area but on a quiet side street. The staff was great and very helpful. The hotel was clean and quiet
Susan
NC USA 10/19/2011
Wonderful experience in Florence
My mom, son and I had a wonderful time at the Hotel Santa Croce. The staff was fabulous! We were steps away from the Piazza Santa Croce and a quick walk to the Uffizi and everywhere else. The rooms were reasonable (80 euros for the 3 of us) and again, service was great.
Thanks Mario! Hope to see you again!
Renee
Pittsburgh, PA USA 10/18/2011
Chalet in Switzerland
The camping jungfrau in Launterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland is great value for money. During May 2011 (off peak season), my family (4 of us) stayed in 1of the chalets. There were 2 rooms, an attached kitchenette , aliving room & dining area & a bathroom. Very comfortable! Short drive from scenic spots.
Tay Siew Hua
Singapore, Singapore 09/09/2011
All Praises for the el Jardi Hostal.
My wife, daughter and I spent 4 days and 3 lovely evenings in this splendid accomodation. The staff was very helpful with tour information and tips on where to go and not go. The room overlooked the plaza where the setting changed from performances to artists displaying their paintings to restaurants with their tables spread out for customers to enjoy tapas. The next time we visit Barcelona we will be staying here.
Oswald Norton
Bellevue, WA USA 08/08/2011
Lauterbrunnen, Salzburg, Munich, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland: "Valley Hostel". great location,very clean facilities, nice staff. Salzburg Austria:
"Sharaton Salzburg" nice hotel, excellent staff, great location-close to everything. nearby Hohenwerfen fortress only a 30min picturesque train ride away. The tour was much better then Salzburg fortress where they forced you to stay in each room for an eternity! Munich Germany:
"Hotel Blauer Block" fantastic location- 1/2 block from Marienplatz City Center, nice 'zimmer' facilities. room had sink-bath down the hall. Paris,France: Hotel Alhambra & Hotel Croix de Malte found both after failing to locate favorites listed in R.Steves book but both were great finds. close to 2metro stops & Place de la Republique area w/cafe's etc. Amsterdam: "Best Western Apollo" great location-next to Rijks & Van Gogh museums. Brussels: 'Residence les Ecrins" listed as hostel but more like a hotel. great facilities & friendly staff. included breakfast. nice 5-10 min. walk to city center.
TN
dallas, tx USA 08/05/2011
Mountain Hostel, Gimmelwald
I stayed here with my two sons. It was the cheapest part of our trip and the best! We booked one night but when we got there we got one more night. The food in the bar is really good and reasonable. Hot showers, laundry, and kitchen. Next door at the honestey shop you can buy items to cook. We shared our leftovers with people as other did with us.
Z
Los anglees, CA USA 07/26/2011
The White Hart Inn in Bath
Our family of five spent a month traveling through England, staying at hostels the vast majority of the time. Our favorite was the White Hart Inn in Bath. Close to the action, but far enough away. Nice clean room and a fairly quite pub downstairs.
Patty
San Francisco, CA USA 07/23/2011
Plus Hostel in Florence
Stayed at the Plus Hostel (Plus Florence) in Florence, Italy. It was well staffed, organized, clean, and secure. Beds were large and comfortable and rooms were spacious. I highly recommend this hostel when staying in Florence.
Bruce
El Dorado Hills, CA USA 07/12/2011
Cool little hostel in amsterdam
This was my first time staying at a hostel in Amsterdam and from the moment I first walked in Cosmos hostel they made me feel like I was right at home.
Really cool little hostel. Great, friendly and helpful staff.Simba the cat was cool and very laid back.
Thank you for having me Hostel cosmos Amsterdam staff!!!
haili Mekonen
london, England 07/09/2011
MADRID, SPAIN- Hostal Gonzalo
I'm not certain how to classify Hostal Gonzalo, as they don't serve breakfast, but it is definitely more than a hostel. The things I like about this accomodation is that it is immaculately clean, great location in a safe neighborhood, walking distance to the Prado Museum, Atocha train station for a visit to Toledo, and the pedestrian only street, Calle Huertas. Javier and Antonio, brothers,are most helpful and attentive to emails. They have their own taxi so for a fee they can take you to the airport if needed. There is a lot of value in this reasonably priced place. We have stayed twice and love the location and the cleanliness. (As a side-note, just a couple of short blocks away is a small place called Chocolat that has wonderful churros and thick dark chocolate pudding for dipping, however, I would suggest sharing an order to begin with, but only after first drinking your fresh squeezed orange juice.) http://www.hostalgonzalo.com/
Grace
Portland, OR USA 06/19/2011
Spain
Just returned from Spain. In Tarifa, we loved Pepe at Pension Villanueva! He was so helpful! Great rates and we got a room with a balcony and a view. The roof top patio is great too!
However, at Hostal Arrabal in Toledo, we could not sleep for the noise and hard bed. Nothing is worth that, not even for 30 euros!
Debbie Harmon
Woodstock, VA USA 05/21/2011
Sorrento Hostels
My wife and I just returned from a wonderful 2 weeks in Italy. A highlight of the trip was the time we spent in Sorrento while staying with the lovely Elina Balducelli at the Secret Garden hostel. She was absolutely wonderful and helped us in every way. If you are looking for a gorgeous, inexpensive place to stay, this is the place. http://www.secretgardenrelais.com/
Ben Richards
Honolulu, HI USA 05/12/2011
Trouble with Hostel in Rome
Rick's guidebook recommended the Hotel Fawlty Towers in Rome. I tried making a reservation at this hostel/hotel. I booked on their website and never got a confirmation. I emailed them several times and got no response. Their listed phone numbers did not work. This hostel also got bad reviews from other travel websites.
Carla Egyed
Grand Prairie, TX USA 05/11/2011
Great hostel in Prague
If you are looking for good and cheap place to stay in Prague and def stay at Hostel ELF.I loved this place! awesome vibe in the whole place -- great back patio and hang out areas, clean rooms and bathrooms, good coffee and three free computers! friendly staff with lots of info on the area. a perfect hostel!
Hostel ELF
Prague, Czech Republic 04/21/2011
Rome - Hotel Paba = WONDERFUL
I totally recommend the Hotel Paba in Rome. It is wonderfully clean and quiet and the owner, Alberta is so helpful and kind. Her breakfast is fresh and very beautifully presented. We stayed in the flower room. Hotel is about 2 blocks from the Forum and about a 15 minute walk straight out of the train station. I will definitely return.
Connie
Italy, Italy USA 04/08/2011
Sorrento, Italy
While traveling in Sorrento, Italy, I once again took Rick's advice for lodging and had a wonderful week's stay at Deluxe Hostal Ulisses. The accommodations were clean and comfortable, with all the extras that a much more expensive hotel provides. The staff were incredibly helpful and went out of their way to make me feel welcome. Between Rick's Amalfi coast guide and the staff I was in good hands throughout my stay.
Carol Larsen
Suquamish, WA USA 03/10/2011
Hotel Golden - Rome, Italy
This small hotel is a GEM for the economy-minded traveler who enjoys personalized care and accurate advice while visiting Rome. The hotel is housed in a late 19th Century renovated building with rooms that include ensuite bath/toilet, air-conditioning/heating among other improvements. The ensuite remodel is a "step-up" addition similar to what you'd find on a cruise ship (probably done to accomodate plumbing.)
It has a wonderful "quaint" elevator (size of a small closet) that we truly welcomed and enjoyed. We're elderly and needed a lift. (pun intended)
It's located in a quiet neighborhood close to the Borghese Gardens/Museum, bus/subway stops and excellent local restaurants. (Be sure to ask for suggestions on restaurants and public transportation. INVALUABLE!!)
This is a family-owned and operated hotel. Marco, Giuseppe and the whole family provide a wonderful feeling of being welcomed and cared for. The customer service is personalized and VERY helpful. Giuseppe and Marco speak excellent English and may even provide some tutoring in Italian if needed. I did and it helped immensely.
There's an American chain restaurant that uses the slogan, "When you're here, you're family." That slogan can easily be shared by Hotel Golden and their wonderful staff.
Ray Sheehan
Broomfield, CO USA 11/02/2010
Thumbs down on Rome hostel
I hate to speak poorly of a Rick Steves suggestion, as he generally gets it right, but Fawlty Towers in Rome was far from memorable and doesn't, in my opinion, rate a recommendation. Yes, it is fabulously close to the Termini station. And, at 85 Euro for a double with bath, is sort of a deal...at least by Rome price standards, I guess. But it was closer to seedy than charming, breakfast would only appeal to recently-rescued castaways and the staff was indifferent rather than memorable. Unlikely that you'd ever show anyone a picture of your room.
Leaf Schumann
Deming, Wa USA 10/05/2010
Hostels in London
I also enjoyed my stay at the Palmer Lodge on College Crescent in London. Over this summer I stayed almost two weeks total. Breakast is good, the staff is helpful and food and drink in the evening is very reasonable. The only downside is that the Jubilee tube line often is closed on weekends, know your bus route alternatives as well
Rose Ann
Austin, Tx USA 10/02/2010
Best European Hostels
I travel with college students in England and Wales and have some favorite hostels: Leominster (in Herefordshire- near Ludlow and Hereford and on the main train line) is small, extremely clean, has a great kitchen, an herb garden for you to use, is set next to a medieval church, and attracts cyclists and hikers; York has an amazing staff, with a nice pub area and breakfast (though it does attract a large number of school groups- 40 rampaging 12 year-olds on holiday can be a bit much); and while I avoid the official hostel in Bath (terrible experience there) the YMCA in the center of the city is a very good option.
Erika Lindgren
Waverly, IA USA 10/02/2010
Youth hostel in Carcassonne
Rick Steves recommends the youth hostel (Auberge de Jeunesse) inside the medieval walled city of Carcassonne, France, and we wholeheartedly endorse it! Location & price can't be beat. Decent breakfast, usually with at least one freshly made special dish. Friendly, helpful multi-lingual Michel is amazing. He not only speaks a variety of European and Asian languages, but can switch from one to another without missing a beat as he turns from speaking with one guest to greet another.
The ONE down-side is the dreadful bed "linens" - some sort of polyester webbing. So glad I had my silk sleep sack with me. Don't leave home without one...
Marilynn
Willits, CA USA 09/28/2010
Berlin Hostel
The Eastern Comfort in Berlin is great! It's a boat on the Spree river next to the largest section of the Berlin Wall. Staff is friendly and rooms are clean.
Chip
Lawrenceville, GA USA 09/15/2010
favorite hostels
Pensao Poveira in Porto. Easy to find, right across the street from Campanha Station. Neighborhood looks a little dodgy but actually is fine. The pensao is clean, ensuite bathrooms, very reasonable prices, friendly staff. Metro is right next to Campanha Station so easy access to other parts of Porto.
Sarah
Laramie, WY USA 09/14/2010
favorite hostels
Residencia Erasmus Gracia in Barcelona. Available as a hostel when not used as student housing during terms. Clean, good breakfast, comfortable (room controls for a/c), very reasonably priced. Helpful and friendly staff. Beautifully located in a quiet neighborhood a few blocks from a metro stop, grocery store around the corner, lots of restaurants, walking distance to Parc Guell.
Sarah
Laramie, WY USA 09/14/2010
ACE Hotel London
The ACE Hotel in London is a hostel located in West Keningston Near the Distict and Picadelly lines. with access to Heathrow. Its clean and quiet. With cold beakfasts. The downside for me, while it had and internet room, it did not have free wifi.
Stacey
St Albert, AB Canada 09/06/2010
I like Generator hostel in both Berlin and London
I like Generator hostel in both Berlin and London. The London location is superb. Walking distance to the Britsh museum and some great pubs with terrific pub food.
patsy ann
houston, tx USA 08/23/2010
london hostel
agree with comments regarding Palmer's Lodge in London. A great hostel, near metro, good breakfast, very helpful staff, big common room, washer/dryer, internet access.
kelly
san antonio, tx USA 07/21/2010
Greg and Tom Hostel, Krakow, Poland
The Greg and Tom Hostel in Krakow was a great choice. It's a very quick walk (one block) from the main train station. I booked a private room with shared bath. The staff was very friendly and helpful and the building where I stayed (basically an apartment broken down into lockable bedrooms and shared kitchen and bath) was modern and clean. There were opportunities to socialize if you were looking for that. I would definitely stay there if I returned to Krakow.
Jeremy
Arlington, VA USA 07/21/2010
Favourite hostels: the Tom and Greg hostel in Krakow, no bunk beds, no lockouts, free breakfast and dinner, great kitchen, friendly staff that knew my name after 1 day, video games, free internet etc. Castle Rock hostel in Edinburgh, fantastic location, lots of funky artwork, and it felt to me a bit like a mini Hogwarts.
Least favourite - Friends Hostel in Paris, they said I didn't show up within 3 hours of my reservation, even though I had called and switched it and gave up my room, so I was stuck in the shed which had 15 bunks, a tin roof and a bathroom that didn't lock. Awful
Vanessa
Halifax, Canada 06/20/2010
Oxford HI/IYHF Hostel
Stayed here last summer with spouse and child. Had a private family room with double bed, bunk beds and private ensuite shower and toilet. Room even had a TV! Very close to train station and easy walk to center of town. Also close to Waterman's Arms, nice pub with good food. Great stay, full English breakfast and dinner served as well (for a small cost). Free internet in the lobby if you bought something from the cafe. Quiet, clean, family friendly, not at all a party scene.
Kat
Boston, USA 06/06/2010
Best hostel in Switzerland!
Best Hostel in Switzerland! It's called 'Chalet Martin' located on the Brig - Montreux train line. You stop at Bex, and then take a cograil train up to Gryon, way up high in the Alps. The Chalet is located only 5 minutes on foot from the train station...just follow the signs. This is a real Chalet, built entirely from wood. It's a wonderful atmosphere with such friendly owners. Many lovely people end up at this hostel. My favourite thing was to make a communal meal and sit with everyone to enjoy the food and the amazing mountains. I highly recommend Chalet Martin - I left to continue travelling, only to find my way back for a splendid 10 days in Paradise. http://gryon.com/
Erin Harris
London, Ont Canada 05/26/2010
Great hostel in London
I stayed at Palmers Lodge in London and was very pleased. It's a hostel in a converted old mansion, complete with ornate wood paneling and a lovely sitting room with lots of light. Also the bunks have privacy curtains and individual reading lights, which was a nice touch.
Kim M
Seattle, WA USA 05/23/2010
Nice B&B in Rome
We stayed 3 nights at B&B Smart in Rome . The room was large , nice and very reasonably priced. It is near the train station Termini , easy to get around by bus and Metro also within walking distance of the Coliseum, and the Roman Forum... The owners are wonderful and the place is incredibly clean. It was great. We definitely recommend this place for budget travelers.
www.bandbromeitaly.com
Anna plant
New York, USA 05/08/2010
Sicily is the best!
Sicily is stunning and the history ancient; 2,700 year-old ruins. The LOL hostel in Siracusa is almost posh, very clean, new, chic and for only 22 euro a night for a dorm bed. Things are definately less expensive in Sicily. I would recommend a night train to the island and base yourself at the LOL and then walk to all the amazing sites. The sun, blue water is gorgeous. There is definately a peaceful feeling here.
Tabitha McGillivray
Skagway, Alaska USA 04/28/2010
Great gasthof (small hotel)
My wife and I visited Reutte in Tirol, Austria. Reutte has gotten a lot busier since I last visited it in 1987. We ended up staying in NesselWangle, a smaller village about 20mins out of Reutte, at my Aunt's family run GastHof: AlpenGastHof KrinnerSpitze. The rooms are very clean and the food great. And best of all, the prices are very good. Their webpage is :
http://www.krinnenspitze.com/
Stephan.
Stephan Yhann
Seattle, WA USA 03/31/2010
I am a fan of hostels
I traveled around europe for almost 3 months last year almost 100% in hostels. The best I thought were Ostello Gallo D'Oroin in Florence, Hostel Brikette in Positano. Residence Santa Croce in Venice- right across the Grand Canal from the train station .Jetpak Hostel in Berlin- great location in East Berlin and new. STF Fridhemsplan in Stockholm. Shelter Jordan in Amsterdam was dirty but great staff and a very safe place to stay. Youth & Family Guesthouse in Salzburg has a great location but way to many children and horrible dorm rooms. I found most places on hostelworld.com. Great Website.
Heather
Minneapolis, USA 12/31/2005